The best and worst ages to get married (it's not what you think)

You must enter the characters with black color that stand out from the other characters

By Chakell Wardleigh, FamilyShare

There has been an everlasting debate on the proper age to get married. Girls used to be married as soon as they hit puberty back in the olden days. Thank goodness that is frowned upon now. Skyrocketing divorce rates are beginning to leave an anxious imprint on every couple who is begging the question of when the right time to get married is.

So what is the proper age to get married? And what is the worst age? There are so many rampaging opinions from experts and scientists alike.

The best age

According to a study done by sociologist Nick Wolfinger at the University of Utah, couples that marry between the ages 28 and 32 are most likely to evade divorce. Reasons being that by age 28, there are less hormones that mask true feelings, there is more financial stability and there is more life experience by that age.

The late twenties and early thirties are noted as the prime marriage age because of the significant amount of growing up that occurs. There are numerous responsibilities that have to continue to be met, there are goals that have been reached and people most likely know how to take care of themselves by that time. There is also the belief that while you may be mature enough in your late twenties, you are still capable of adjusting your habits and lifestyles to accommodate your spouse. You are not so set in your ways that things you can't compromise.

The worst age

According to the same study, the odds of divorce begin to rise 5 percent each year after you hit the age 34. So, divorce rates have skyrocketed for those who have gotten married after 35. The reason? According to Woflinger, when people wait to be married in the late thirties, they are already set in their ways and go into the marriage without the notion of succeeding.

The divorce rate of youthful marriages is at an all time high as well. One reason is because of the need for social media validation in young adults. They often spend more time thumbing through Facebook and looking for others’ approval on their own relationships. Couples in their early twenties are also less experienced in the world, still have a lot of growing up to do and are less financially stable. There are many factors that contribute to divorce in young couples. Many of which are still being identified.

The actual best age

Do you know what the best possible age to get married is? Here it is: whenever you feel you are ready. And in that, there is no age that falls under the category of “worst age.” Don’t take all of your advice from numbers on a chart; there is no way for data to measure every aspect of marriage. Not even the most intricate study can predict the outcome of every life. Every person on the earth grows at a different pace. Every couple is unique.

Although divorce rates may be higher for some age groups, that does not mean your marriage is bound to fail if you are outside of the ideal range. If you feel ready to take the step toward marriage, and you know your significant other through and through, there is nothing to fear.

Age should not predict your marriage’s success. What makes a marriage successful is the amount of effort you put into it. If you both feel that you are ready to move on to the next big step, do so. No marriage is perfect, but going in with a positive attitude, the ability to communicate and the ability to understand one another are the most important attributes.

You may both be done with college and moving forward in your careers, or you may both just be starting to find your places in the world. Whatever ages you may be, move forward when you know it is the right decision. Support, trust, and above all, love one another in both the dark and light times. Marriage is one of the most wonderful and life-changing decisions you will ever make.

Copyright 2016 Deseret Digital Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.